Record cold possible today around Tampa area

If today feels like the coldest day of the winter season, chances are it is.
This week’s relentless winter chill could reach a low point today, as today’s highs in Tampa could be the coldest of this winter season.
News Channel 8 meteorologist Leigh Spann said today’s high is forecast will struggle to reach 60. That was the previous low this season, on March 2, and the high on Jan. 4 was just 61.
It’s also more than 15 degrees below the average high of 78.

“We will feel more winter-like today than we have all winter long,” Spann said.
A freeze warning will be in effect tonight in Citrus and Hernando counties as lows plunge to 40 near Tampa, and colder in northern and inland areas.
Today’s winter feel, Spann said, is fueled by the cold front pushing to the south, blanketing the region with dry air, partly cloudy skies and brisk northerly winds.
Temperatures will gradually warm this week under sunny skies, with more seasonable highs returning this weekend.

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